SAN DIEGO, Aug. 19, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Specialty Health (ASH), a leading national health improvement organization, and several of its programs were recently honored with a Grand Award and two Awards of Excellence at the twentieth annual Awards for Publication Excellence (APEX) competition. APEX awards are based on superiority in graphic design, editorial content, and the success of the entry -- in the opinion of the judges -- in achieving overall communications effectiveness and excellence.
In the major category of Brochures, Manuals, & Reports (For Profit Small Office), ASH secured a prestigious Grand Award for its 2007 Year in Review brochure. Aptly titled "Reflections," the 28-page full-color brochure features eye-catching water and mirror designs, and reflects on the company's growth and development throughout the year. The fact that ASH celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2007 only underscores the importance of a reflective year-end.
In addition to the Grand Award, ASH won two Awards of Excellence for its Silver&Fit healthy aging web site (Web & Intranet Sites category) and its FitnessCoach.com health improvement classes (Electronic & Video Publications category).
"We are proud to have been recognized by the APEX judges not just for the quality of presentation, but also for the effectiveness of the content in our materials," said George DeVries, CEO and chairman of ASH. "We hold these awards in high regard and plan on continuing the ASH tradition of publication excellence."
With close to 4,500 entries, the APEX awards are considered to be an "exceptionally intense" competition. APEX presented 120 Grand Awards in 11 major categories and 1,393 Awards of Excellence in 110 sub-categories this year. APEX Grand Awards honor the outstanding works in each main category, while APEX Awards of Excellence recognize exceptional entries in each of the sub-categories.
About American Specialty Health
American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH), a leading health improvement organization, provides specialty benefit programs, fitness programs, health coaching and incentives, Internet solutions, and worksite wellness programs to health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups, and trust funds nationwide.
Based in San Diego, ASH has over 600 employees and covers more than 13.4 million members in specialty benefit, fitness, and coaching programs. For more information, visit ASH online at ASHCompanies.com or call 800.848.3555.